Obi-Wan Kenobi movie in early stages, McGregor not confirmed

Without a doubt, this is the news Star Wars fans hoped for. After much speculation and rumors, Disney is in the early stages of producing a new movie revolving around the wise Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi.

According to Justin Kroll of Variety, “Sources tell … that Disney is in early development on a film centered on Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi and is in talks with Billy Elliot’s Stephen Daldry to direct. … There is not yet a script or a writer, sources say, and it’s currently unknown if this will be the next standalone story in the Star Wars universe.”

Readers of Nerd Reactor might recall previous articles centered around the possibility. In addition, Star Wars prequel Obi-Wan Kenobi actor Ewan McGregor certainly made himself available through various interviews. He almost pushed too hard.

“Listen, I have been asked about it a lot, to the point where it looks a bit like I’m sort of touting for work,” said McGregor (via Business Insider). “I’ve been very open to say I’d be happy to do it if they want to do it.”

Unfortunately, there is no confirmation on McGregor taking up the role. Most fans though expect the movie to take place between Episodes III and IV. McGregor would be logical since the character will be roughly 10-15 years older.

But it is not certain at this point.

“As of now, there is no script and no cast,” Anthony Breznican of EW wrote. “But any film like this would want to secure a filmmaker before taking those steps, so McGregor’s involvement is certainly a possibility.”

In fact, EW refuses to consider the new film a done deal.

“EW’s sources say there’s still an ‘if’ involved, but yes — we can confirm this is a movie that’s being actively explored as a possible stand-alone beyond 2019’s Episode IX.”

Obi-Wan Kenobi remained one of the brightest points of the criticized Star Wars prequels, so it would be a safe movie. Yes, Kenobi had some weird parts too. But critics did not necessarily knock McGregor’s performance. Rather, they found fault with the wooden script series creator George Lucas provided. The lines did not sound natural for most of the characters.

Plus, McGregor is a highly respected actor who wants to take up the role again. His status as a top actor never became tainted because of the prequels. With all of this in mind, the stars are aligned for Disney to cash in.

Expect more detailed reports to ramp up after Star Wars: The Last Jedi opens in theaters this December. Once the storyline is set for Episode IX, it should be clear what direction the new Obi-Wan film goes in.